January 15, 2020
For full passage click: Psalm 40:6-11 … “I have not hidden your saving help within my heart, I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.” vs. 10
The Psalmist was writing to give thanks to God for blessings received–he’d had some problems but was now doing well. His words reveal his appreciation and also indicate that he had been faithful in sharing the good news with others. And just in case the Lord hadn’t noticed, he is careful to mention the wonderful things that he had done. As we read between the lines we can’t help but wonder about his purpose; it almost seems as though he’s providing the list to insure continued blessings. If so, it wouldn’t be surprising. We, too, have the sense that our good deeds should provide some insurance against future calamity. And if there’s a hint that things are starting to “go south” in our lives, we’re quick to remind God that we deserve better. Of course that’s not how life works. We can do all sorts of commendable things and then get hit by horrendous disaster–good works do not guarantee good health or good luck. But that doesn’t mean that God has abandoned us–God’s steadfast love continues in every circumstance. And when tough times come our way, we can be confident that our prayers will be heard and one day, joy will be restored. That’s just how it is with our loving God!
Thought for the Day: How have my good deeds been rewarded?
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